Afghan suspect drove to DC from WA state, shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before opening fire on National Guard: report

The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington, DC, on Wednesday drove cross-country to carry out the terror attack, federal authorities said. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect, allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before pulling out a Smith & Wesson revolver, firing several rounds at the two victims, reports indicate.

DC officials said in a Thursday press briefing that Lakanwal, 29, drove from his residence in Washington state to the nation's capital, where he carried out a premeditated "ambush-style" attack on National Guardsmen. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, both of West Virginia, were shot within blocks of the White House. Wolfe remains in critical condition, while Beckstrom died on Thursday. Beckstrom's father, Gary, announced that Sarah had suffered a "mortal wound" and was not expected to survive.

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, told reporters that Lakanwal faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro declined to provide a motive as the investigation remains ongoing. She announced on Friday morning that following the death of Beckstrom, Lakanwal would be facing a first-degree murder charge.

FBI Director Kash Patel said that Lakanwal's Washington state home was raided after the attack, where he resides with his wife and children. Lakanwal entered the United States under the Biden administration in September 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome following the disastrous US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Patel said that everyone in the house had been interviewed, and federal agents are conducting further interviews in San Diego, California.

"We will not stop until we interview anyone and everyone associated with the house and every piece of his life," Patel told reporters, calling the shooting a "heinous act of terrorism."

It has since been revealed that Lakanwal had worked with the CIA while serving in a "partner force" in Afghanistan.